Union Bank, NCF Rally Stakeholders on Climate Action, Youth Empowerment at World Environment Day Symposiums
Union Bank of Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses and individuals to tackle climate change, protect the environment and empower young people to champion sustainability.
The call was made during the 2026 World Environment Day Symposium held at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss practical solutions to environmental challenges under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The symposium underscored the importance of collective action in advancing global sustainability goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action and SDG 17 on Partnerships, stressing that no single institution can address the climate crisis alone.
Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, said businesses must go beyond making sustainability commitments and demonstrate concrete action, noting that financial institutions have a critical role in driving the transition to a greener economy.
“As a Bank that has been part of Nigeria’s story for over a century, Union Bank recognises that sustainable development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. Banks influence where capital flows, and those decisions shape the kind of economy we build. This is a responsibility we take seriously,” she said.
Aluko noted that the banking sector’s lending and investment decisions can either accelerate or slow the shift towards a low-carbon economy, making sustainability a core business responsibility.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Daniel Onoja, described environmental conservation as essential to humanity’s survival, urging people to protect nature for future generations.
“Nature has already provided all the models we need to live well. Environmental conservation is, in essence, human conservation. If we fail to protect the earth, nature will ultimately restore itself—without us,” he said.
A major highlight of the symposium was a panel discussion involving secondary school students from Lagos and other states, who advocated increased investment in climate-friendly initiatives and renewable energy.
The students also showcased innovative projects that transformed waste into interior décor and clean energy solutions, demonstrating the creativity and leadership of young Nigerians in promoting responsible production and environmental sustainability.
Union Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection, ecosystem restoration and sustainable community development, maintaining that preserving the environment remains critical to building a resilient and enduring economy.
The event attracted government officials, environmental experts, corporate leaders and development partners committed to advancing climate action and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.